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May 21, 2007 Being a part-time substitute teacher does several things for me and to me: it gives me a lot of flexibility, it helps me overcome a certain level of shyness that I will always be plagued with, and it throws me into situations that make me so very thankful. This past week I was in a classroom of four children. All of them were not bathroom-trained and needed assistance, all were not able to verbally communicate, and all were in wheelchairs. By the end of the day I was utterly exhausted and my thoughts kept going to those children’s homes—how did their families handle this 24/7? I kept asking myself questions like these.
While I understand that you learn to adjust, it reminded me how we as Christians need to be more active in our communities—finding these people who are utterly exhausted every day of their life—who need to know that a Savior died for them by showing him through the giving of our lives and time without payment. It’s a calling that mustn’t be ignored if we’re willing to change the world.
Finally, while we love the give-and-take of well-written letters, please be careful with personal attacks on others. We will severely edit those letters.
Re: “Letters”
Last week I was enjoying a much needed vacation with my family and therefore did not have the opportunity to clarify a few things.
So here goes with the easiest first, one writer noted that “This book Christianity without the Cross was written by Thomas Fudge, PhD. You have given the wrong author credit.” You are correct about the author of the book, however the footnote was actually to an e-mail about the book and unfortunately it does at first glance have the appearance of stating that Dr. Crownover is the author. (The original article included references to Dr. Fudge’s book but was edited, I assume, for space rather than content).
Jason Dulle, had numerous points, however there was one in particular that I felt compelled to respond to. When stating the differences between Oneness and Trinitarian Pentecostals he does what neither Bernard nor Crownover were willing to do and that is to apply what has become the dominate position of the UPCI to all Oneness believers: “Trinitarians believe baptism is not essential to salvation, whereas we do.” Not everyone in Oneness circles would follow you down this road and according to Crownover’s e-mail that was only true of a minority of the PCI brethren that were part of the merger to form the UPC. Dulle also states that “Trinitarians do not believe speaking in tongues is the universal evidence of having received the Spirit, whereas we do.” This is an oversimplification at best, and many Oneness believers do see the genesis of salvation in repentance rather than, repentance plus baptism plus infilling, putting them in exactly the same theological position as Trinitarian Pentecostals as to salvation.
As a sidebar I don’t believe I have seen Bro. Dulle since I sat behind him in Bro. (Arlo) Moehlenpah’s class on the book of Acts.
Another writer was mistaken on two accounts: I am neither a scholar (though it was a nice compliment (as) the editors at 90&9 made it look good) nor did I ever presume to speak for God. The reference to the “Triune God” properly belongs to A.D. Urshan, not to myself. (I wouldn’t want to be a plagiarist.)
Andrew Degraffenreed, Maryland
Re: “The UPC vs the TV discussion”
Apostolic homes are falling apart left and right. The divorce rate among Apostolics is way too high. We have more second-marriage Apostolic ministers now than ever. Apostolic teen pregnancy is high and going higher. Too many Apostolic teens are dropping out of high school. We still are not nearly interested enough in our children getting any higher education. Homosexuality—male and female—is creeping in among Apostolic teens. Apostolic churches are losing teens by the bunch. And we are supposed to be worried about whether folks spend an hour watching the History Channel?
The TV discussion ended years ago, as far as many of us are concerned. A TV isn’t different than a radio—good things and bad things on both—or the internet. But many of us have been on the internet for years and have not seen any of it.
As a matter of record, there is more filth on the internet than on radio, TV, and the movies combined. But, I receive a really fine e-newsletter by way of the internet— ninetyandnine.com. The computer, TV, or radio aren’t going to get us in trouble with God; only our personal lack of integrity can do that.
When the house is on fire and someone is busy straightening the curtains, it is pretty easy to see that the real issue is misplaced priorities. Please be warned, the house is burning down!
Gary Mink, Tennessee
This was an awesome review of what was and still is a momentous occasion in history. I am excited to hear of the great report of revival in the city of Brooklyn and throughout the world. Let’s continue to lift each other in the faith, as God continues to pour out His power.
O’Neil Salmon, Florida
Re: “The Great Divide: Oneness versus Trinity”
I’m trying to figure out who died and made Karl Simon Villani God. This character is out of control. Chewing up and spitting out Kristyn Leigh like she were the devil, sending people to hell left and right. You know not what spirit you are of! Who gave you the authority to talk about my sister the way you do? Who gave you the authority to slander brethren whose view doesn’t “line-up” with yours. No one, that’s who.
Question: How many Trinitarians have are won with a condemning spirit? Or, how many have been forever turned away from the truth of the Oneness by a rotten attitude.
A zealot-like attitude is giving the Oneness Apostolics a bad name and thereby giving the God of the Apostolics a bad name—it’s a desecration of God’s name called (by the Jews who gave us the Oneness doctrine) chillul hashem. That’s doing exactly the opposite of what Jesus Christ taught us to do in the Lord’s prayer when He said to pray “Hallowed be they name” or “kiddush hashem.” Which means: do things that glorify your Father in heaven. Do things that give God a good reputation, that bring a good report to God, God’s people, and to the things of God. By making us look bad you make God look bad. By making us of good repute, you make God of good repute so that sinners will glorify your Father which is in Heaven. That’s how you sanctify the name or reputation of the Lord. And they had “favor with all the people.” (See Acts 2:47.)
Remember: we don’t represent yourselves only, we represent God’s people as seen by the world, and the God whom we serve. “Let not your good be evil spoken of,” (and) “avoid all appearance of evil”—that applies far more than to just “standards.”
And people, please, back up your defense of specific “standards” with actual Bible quotations—chapter and verse, not ethereal, intangible, subjective feelings, experiences, and emotions. Try the Bible—it really is the final authority.
David Stone, New York
Re: “Oneness”
You guys should do a brief feature on Oneness doctrine. I have been raised in church, sat through Bible school classes, my family is in the ministry, and for the life of me, I don’t know what Oneness people believe. Every time I hear someone explain it, they contradict someone else I have heard. As you can imagine, the reading on the subject is rather slim.
I have heard people say, “Father in Flesh,” but doesn’t that deny the revelation of the Son. Then I hear people say, Jesus had His own spirit, but doesn’t that lead us down a risky road? Try as I may, as I read the book of John (in other translations), I see two. Jesus said, “I and my Father will come to you.” He was talking about the Spirit, not in the Flesh. I see trouble with limiting the Son to just the flesh when John tells us of a preexisting Son. Paul always distinguishes Jesus from God. And as much as we quote Deut. 6:4, Trinitarians believe in one God also and agree with us. The whole Trinity doctrine is an attempt to reconcile the revelation of the Son and monotheism. I dunno, maybe I am the only one who is utterly confused.
Shamefully and Quietly Confused, Indiana
(Editor’s note: Thanks for the suggestion! This can be a really confusing subject and unfortunately we think that once a person receives God’s Spirit they will have complete understanding—which isn’t true! But when I came into the Apostolic movement one of the most clear and understandable books I read was The Oneness of God by David K. Bernard. There are a many fascinating, if occasionally long, articles here as well. Head to “Theology Proper” at the bottom of the home page.)
ninetyandnine.com
© 2007, ninetyandnine.com
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